Multimodal profiling of biostabilized human skin modules reveals a coordinated ecosystem response to injected mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine.

BACKGROUND

The field of drug development is witnessing a remarkable surge in the development of innovative strategies. There is a need to develop technological platforms capable of generating human data prior to progressing to clinical trials.

METHODS

Here we introduce a new flexible solution designed for the comprehensive monitoring of the natural human skin ecosystem's response to immunogenic drugs over time. Based on unique bioengineering to preserve surgical resections in a long survival state, it allows for the first time a comprehensive analysis of resident immune cells response at both organ and single-cell levels.

RESULTS

Upon injection of the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine, we characterized precise sequential molecular events triggered upon detection of the exogenous substance. The vaccine consistently targets DC/macrophages and mast cells, regardless of the administration route, while promoting specific cell-cell communications in surrounding immune cell subsets.

CONCLUSION

Given its direct translational relevance, this approach provides a multiscale vision of genuine human tissue immunity that could pave the way toward the development of new vaccination and drug development strategies.